Long wheelbase Hyundai Santa Fe exclusive to America?

When we first saw the new Hyundai Santa Fe during its unveiling at the New York Auto Show in April, we were happy that Hyundai was introducing a long wheelbase variant that could comfortably accommodate 7 passengers.

The second version to be showcased was a five seater, missing a third row.

Now an exclusive report by The Motor Report (an Australian auto enthusiast site) reveals that the 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe long wheelbase model will be made only for LHD markets. Countries like India and Australia adopt RHD.

In the U.S, the short wheelbase variant is the ‘Santa Fe Sport’ while the long wheelbase version is badged simply as the ‘Santa Fe.’

This means the third row will have to be integrated into the short wheelbase platform. The seven seat capability is crucial to the Santa Fe's success in India, as Indians love their third row even if the usage is occasional.

For the Australian market, the current 2.2 litre turbodiesel continues to serve the incoming model with the same outputs. We expect the this to also happen in India, though a 2-liter diesel engine features in countries outside Australia. Transmission options in Australia include a six-speed manual (available on the entry variant) or a torque converter automatic.

Hyundai India should have the all-new Santa Fe ready to mount a new challenge to the Fortuner in 2013. It is expected to follow the CKD route with minute or no component localization.